Despite an excellent start to the indoor season, Axminster bowlers have suffered mixed fortunes of late with defeats in their last three matches, writes David Harris.

First up, a visit from Chardstock resulted in a 103-28 Axminster win with wins on all rinks; Pam Hunter, Sue Bond, Les Clark, and Bob Sherborne (39-5), Morrison Brown, Nigel Bond, Jean Kesterton, and Margaret Crompton (34-11), and Andy Curtis, Margaret Brown, David Harris, and Brian Clark (30-12).

The other mixed friendly played saw the team suffer a heavy 113-58 reversal at the hands of Honiton, this despite winning two of the four rinks played! The Axminster winners were Malcolm Denslow, Morrison Brown, Nigel Bond, and George Mabon (26-22) and John Hill, Jo Barnish, Brian Parsons, and Margaret Crompton (23-15).

The men lost their first match in the County Over 60s, beaten 89-71 by Budleigh with only the home rink of Mick Hennegan, Sid Milburn, Doug Looskan, and John Gough managing a win, (25-18).

The ladies lost their home friendly against a very strong Devon Ladies Patrons team, going down 75-35 and, alas, recording no rink success.

Last, but certainly not least, the Axminster ladies triples team of Brenda Edwards, Phil White, and Ann Clayton got through to the next round of the National KO competition with a thrilling win at Honiton - many congratulations!